Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach showing a coastal town and a sandy beach
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach which includes a beach


Take time out from the pulse of the city to relax in the calm waters of one of Melbourne’s most picturesque beaches.

Brighton Beach is actually a generic name for three different parts of Port Phillip Bay. Upper Brighton Beach leads into Middle Brighton Beach, known primarily for its historic sea baths and iconic pier. But one of the main attractions is undoubtedly Dendy Street Beach, whose famous beach huts have made it one of the most photographed locations on this picturesque stretch of coastline.

These brightly painted huts, or “bathing boxes”, date back to the Victorian era, when sea bathers protected their modesty by changing in privacy. The heritage-protected boxes are still in use today, with annual licences highly sought-after among local families seeking a convenient and novel base on the beach. The modest wooden-framed structures are all built to the same practical design, with weatherboard sides and corrugated-iron roofs, but have been decorated in highly individual styles and striking colours. Weekends in particular are a good time to stroll along the beach and maybe catch a quick glimpse inside the occupied huts.

Brighton’s three beaches are all patrolled by lifeguards and the waters are generally calm, making them popular and safe places for bathing. The grassy foreshore provides plenty of recreational opportunities, from picnicking to ball games, while separate walking and cycling paths along Port Phillip Bay offer wonderful panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline on one side and the ocean on the other.

Brighton Beach is situated in the upmarket suburb of Port Phillip Bay and is easily accessible by bus or via the Sandringham train. Alternatively, it’s around a 30-minute drive from the centre of Melbourne and there is a pay car park nearby. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and drinking water, as the sun can get very strong, especially in high season.

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History & culture

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Reviews of Brighton Beach

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
15
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Visit the beach houses but be warned, there are lots of tourists!

Popular places to visit


Top Brighton Beach Hotel Deals

Quest Brighton on the Bay

Quest Brighton on the Bay

3.5 out of 5
250 Esplanade, Brighton, VIC
Quest Brighton on the Bay
Caroline Serviced Apartments Brighton

Caroline Serviced Apartments Brighton

4.5 out of 5
3 Male Street, Brighton, VIC
Caroline Serviced Apartments Brighton
Brighton Serviced Apartments

Brighton Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
408 Bay Street, Brighton, VIC
Brighton Serviced Apartments
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments

Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
6 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments
The Hamptons Apartments - St Kilda

The Hamptons Apartments - St Kilda

3.5 out of 5
154 Chapel Street, St Kilda, VIC
The Hamptons Apartments - St Kilda
Caroline Serviced Apartments Sandringham

Caroline Serviced Apartments Sandringham

4 out of 5
220 Bay Road, Sandringham, VIC
Caroline Serviced Apartments Sandringham
View Melbourne

View Melbourne

4 out of 5
562 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC
View Melbourne
The Prince

The Prince

4.5 out of 5
2 Acland Street, St Kilda, VIC
The Prince
Kimberley Gardens Hotel & Serviced Apartments

Kimberley Gardens Hotel & Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
441 Inkerman Street, St. Kilda East, VIC
Kimberley Gardens Hotel & Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach in Victoria offers a delightful vacation with its stunning swimming beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip. Visitors can enjoy the lively bars along the shoreline, ideal for unwinding after a day in the sun. During the festive season, the beach hosts vibrant Christmas parties, creating a cheerful atmosphere. Additionally, keep an eye out for dolphin sightings, adding an enchanting touch to your seaside experience.

Shopping

In Brighton Beach, you'll find Chadstone Shopping Mall, only 9.7km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shops. South Melbourne Market, also 9.7km away, provides a unique local shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, DFO South Wharf, located 9.7km away, boasts family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

AAMI Park, located 9.7km from Brighton Beach, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The Palais Theatre, 4.8km away, provides a lively entertainment experience with music events. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, 8.0km from the beach, is perfect for family-friendly recreational activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, offering breathtaking views from 9.7km away. For hiking enthusiasts, the Outer Circle Rail Trail, also located 9.7km away, provides a picturesque outdoor adventure, while the Tan Track invites you to enjoy nature and fresh air in a serene setting.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Brighton Beach offers a delightful mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Astor Theatre, or experience family-friendly fun at Bounce Inc, the vibrant arcade adventure zone. For a broader cultural experience, visit the Melbourne Arts Centre, just a short distance away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach, Victoria, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including vibrant streets, scenic urban parks, and the stunning beach itself. Tourists can immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the charming coastal atmosphere. A visit to Brighton Beach is a must, where you can relax by the water or explore the surrounding area for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

  • Rod Laver Arena: This iconic venue, located 9.7km from Brighton Beach, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and hosts world-class concerts and sporting events. Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and family-friendly activities in a modern setting.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 9.7km from Brighton Beach, this venue is a hub for business and conferences. Experience the dynamic energy of professional events and exhibitions in this impressive space that showcases Melbourne's business prowess.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Just 11.3km away, this historic stadium is steeped in sports culture. Take a guided tour to learn about Australia's cricketing legacy and soak in the passion of local sports enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Brighton Beach

The best time to visit Brighton Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Brighton Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Brighton Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Brighton Beach

For a budget-friendly trip to Brighton Beach, consider visiting during May to June or August when prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and location, and arrange your search by price to find the best deals. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia can lead to significant savings. Look out for great rates and special offers to make the most of your holiday without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Brighton Beach are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Brighton Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Brighton Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at Brighton Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.